Manifolding device



April 12, 1932.

Gl O. DEGENER MANIFOLDING DEVICE Originai Filed Sept. 3, 2 4Sheets-Sheet 1 G. O. DEGENER MANIFOLDING DEVICE April 12, 1932.

Original Filed Sept. 3, 1926 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 April 1932- G. o. DEGENERMANIFOLDING DEVICE l I I l I I I l l I l l l ll Original Filed Sept. 3,1926 E'EE 5111': 695

April 12, 1932. G. o. DEGENER v MANIFOLDING DEVICE 4 Sheets-Sheet 4Original Filed Sept 5, 1925 Patented Apr. 12, 1 932 j UNITED STATES,

PA-TENT OFFICE GUSTAVE O. DE GENER, OF SAN FRANCISCO, CALEORNIIIA'ASSIGNOR TO ROYAL TYPE- WRITER COMPANY, INC., OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A.CORPORATION OF NEW YORK MANIFOLDING DEVICE Original application filedSeptember a, 1926, Serial No.133,437. Divided and this application filedMai 25,;

. I 1927. Serial No. 194, 35.

This is a division of my application Serial No. 133,437 filedSept-3,1926.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved construction whichmay be attached to any standard typewriting machine withoutmuchmodification in the machine itself, for the purpose of writing oncontinuous billing forms which are frequently fed 0 the machine inlengthsof several hundred eet.

Another object of my invention is to provide means for positioningthe'webs and carbon strips in tight contact relation against the curvedprinting line of the platen preparatory to certain printing operationswhereby clear impressions will be made on the various webs, and torelieve the tight con tact relation between the webs and the carbonstrips, and the platen, prior to feeding or line spacing movements ofthe webs whereby. said Webs will be disposed in a substantially fiatcondition while being fed freely relative to the platen and withoutdragging the transversely extending'carbon strips there with. i

Thelinvention herein claimed includes means for feeding these forms orwork sheets upwardly past a guide, thence past the platen,

and thence upwardly over a frame which exte'nds upwardly from thedelivery side of-the platen. The leading ends of'the work sheets .arecarried in a truck or holder which travels V on the frame for linespacing said sheets. \Vhen a form has been completed, the truck may bereleased :from the sheets and moved down to starting position, afterwhich the .in order to facilitate the easy feeding of the work sheets. A

In the parent application the particular paper feeding mechanism hereindisclosed and claimed is illustrated in connection with aparticular formof carbon strip feeding device," but it is not limited in itsapplication thereto but may be employed with other forms of duplicatingmechanismsuch as carlimited'tjo a typewriting machine but may applied toa combined typewriting and computing machine or other machines of thisgeneral character.

Inthe drawings: Figure 1' is aside elevation'of the device applied to atypewriting machine and em-.

bodying one form of work sheet feeding means, the operating mechanismfor swingng the frame and for actuating the linespacing mechanism, alsothe auxiliary ribbon feeding devices, beingomitted.

-Figure 2,is a, section on the line 2-2 of i v Figure 1.

3 Figure 3 is a rear view .of the construc- ,tion shown in Figure 1, thespecific step-bystep mechanism for line'spacing the truck being omitted.

Figure 4- is .a front elevat'on of the device afitached. to the carriageof a ypewriting mac me. 1 i

Figure 5 is a fore and aft section through the device as shown in Figure4 but illustrates a modified form of work sheet feeding means.

Figurefi is Figure 5. I p 1 Figure 7 is a fragmentary view showing therelation of the worksheets to the platen when 'the' frame is in verticalposition.

Figure 8 is a plan view of a portion of the a section onthe line 6-6 ofmechanism at the left hand side of the machine showing .part of theoperating means swinging the frame.

Figure 9 is a side view of a detent bar forming a part of the linespacing mechanism for" for line spacing the work sheets and for the worksheets.

Figure 10.is a disassembled view of various and is of the usualconstruction.

parts of the hand controlled mechanism for operating the variousinstrumentalities.

Figure 11'is a view from the left hand side of Figure 6 on an enlargedscale, showing the means for releasing the. truck and the detent feedingmechanism. As previously 7 stated, the invention may be embodied invarious types of typewriting machines and there has accordingly beenillustrated only enough of the usual typewriting machine to show theposition of the mechanism comprising this .invention withrelationthereto. The drawings illustrate a main frame A', a carriage having sideplates B, the carriage having a rail C which is adapted to travel upon amain rail D by means of interposed ball bearings. A type bar E is illus:trated in the position which it occupies just prior to printing.Atabular stop rod F is carried by the side frame B of the carriage Apaper table G is or may be of the usual construction and the work sheetsare fed thereover to the platen.

The usual platen is removed, but the platen shaft or axle 1' is'retainedand is journalled in the side frames of the carriage. Below this theshaft 2 is also attached by screws 3 to the side frames, and a chute 4or guide is fastened to blocks 5 which are carried on the shaft 2. Ateach side of the machine and just inside the blocks 5 is an arm 6. Atthe righthand sideof the machine the arm 6 is pivoted at 7 to aninverted U-shaped or channel-shaped bar or'member 8 and at the left handside of the machine, the other arm 6 is similarlypiv oted to a similarchannel member or bar 9. These two side members or bars are connected attheir top by screws 11 to a rod 10. The arms 6,.side or channel members8 and 9, and rod 10, therefore, constitute a supporting frame X andsince the members 8 and 9 are pivoted to the arms 6, it is obvious thatthe frame may be swung about this pivot point. The outside. flange ofeach channel member 8 and 9 has at its lower end an extension 12 clearlyshown: in Figure 5 provided with an arc-shaped slot 13 which engages theplaten axle 1. A non-rotatable platen 14 having a vcurved printing faceis preferably formed of brass or similar metal, and is attached byscrews 15 tothe channel members 8 and 9. As shown in Figure 5, the worksheets H are fed over the paper table G, thence along the chute or guide4 and thence upwardly over past the platen 14 and lie upon the frame atthe delivery side of the platen.

The same screws 11 which attach the rod 10 to the side bars of the frameX also fasten to said frame the upper ends of links16 which i the partsare in the operated or full line position of Figure 5. The rod 19 has adownwardly extending arm 21, the purpose of which will be hereinafterset forth.

From the foregoing it will be observed that the frame X ispivoted at itslower end to swing rearwardly to'a rearwardly inclined .position andforwardly .to a substantially vertical position, and that the platen 14is fixed to the loWer end of the frame to niove therewith whereby theplatenavill be bodily moved rearwardly a slight distance when the frameis swung forwardly and moved forwa'rdly to its original position whenthe frame is swung rearwardly.

Supported on the frame X for movements toward and from the platen is atruck or holder Y having means for clamping the leading ends of the worksheets thereto. I This truck or holder Y is normally located at thelower end of the frame X and means is provided for moving the truck orholder Y upwardly along the frame in a step by-step manner to impartline spacingmovements' to the work sheets. This line spacing mechanismis operable when the frame X is in its forward or vertical positiononly. Thus prior to the line spacing operation of the work sheets, theplaten has been moved rearwardly a distance sufficient to relieve the.tight' contact relation between the work sheets and the/curved printingface of the platen 14. In other words, when the frame X. is in itsvertical position, the work sheets are substantially free of contactwith the platen and consequently these work sheets may be'line spacedwithout draggingthe same against the platen and without dragging thetransversely extending carbon strips upwardly therewith. When the frameX is in its-rearwardly inclined position the type bars are operated. Inthis position of the frame :X, the work sheets and carbon strips arecaused to tightly contact the curved printing face of the platen 14whereby the work sheets and the carbon strips will be disposed in acompacted relation to insure clearness of print on the varioussheets.Thus 111 one position, the work sheets are arranged in face of theplaten preparatory to printing by the type bars.

The truck or holder Y includes a flat plate 22 which is positioned onthe upper side of the members 8 and 9 and has downward extensions 23 and24 respectively fitting on the outside of these channel members. Thisplate 22 constitutes a relatively stationary clamp bar and is providedon itsundcr side (see Figure 6) with two brackets 25 and 26 in thedepending arms of which is supported a shaft 27 which has at one end apinion 28 meshing with a rack 29 on the inside of the channel utbinding,V

pinion 3O meshing with a similar rack bar 31 carried bythe channelmember 9. The purpose of the shaft and rack and pinion connections is tocause the truck Y to travel along 9 of the frame X withthe channel bars8 and Lying outside the extensions 23 and 24 and attached thereto in anydesired manner, are plates 32 and 33-respectively which extend upwardabove the surface of the plate 22. These plates 32 and 33 are connectedby a pivot shaft 34 attached thereto by screws 35 and this shaft carriesa clamp member or movable clamp bar 36. The work sheets are adapted tobe passed between this clamp member or bar 36 and the surface of therelatively stationary clamp bar 22.

Mounted on the shaft 34 at each side, but

insidethe plates 32 and 33, is an arm 37 which is normally drawnagainst-a stcp rod 38 by means of a spring 39 which is fastened at oneend to the arm 37 and booked at the otherend over a projection 40. Therod 38 isprovidcd with cam portions (see Figure 11) which bear againstthe arms 37 and this rod may be rocked a'gainstihe tension cf the spring39 by means of handles 41. When the rod is rocked in one direction thecam portions will move the clamp member 36 away from the surface of theplate .22 and releasethe worksheets so thatithe truck Y and work sheetsmay be moved independently and when, rocked in the opposite directionthe springs 39'will automatically return the plate 36 to its initialposition.

At the left hand side of the frameXtheoutside flange 42 of the channelbar '9 is provided with teeth or notches in which is adapted to engage apawl 43 pivotally supported at 44 and normally drawn to operativeposition by a spring 45. This pawl has an up-f' fwardly extending tail46. A similar pawl '47 iscarried by the same pivot 44 and engagesnotches formedin a bar 48 illustrated separately in F'gure 9. Thefunction of this.

bar will be hereinafter described. This pawl 7 47 also has an upwardlyextending taii49 as show-n i'n'Figure 5. V

Referring to Figurell there isdisclosed a sliding plate 50 mountedon-the-side plate 33 by .meansof pins'5 l el'itering'slots in the plate50. This plate has an offset ear 52 which lies outside the-lever 37 andalso a second offset ear 53 at the other end which lies outside of'the'iails 4-6 and 49 of the pawls 43 and 47. When the handles-41 aremoved to rocli the stop rod 38'andmove thearm 37 to release the truck Y,itis obvious that the movement of this arm or lever 37 will duce asliding movement of the. plate 50 through engagement with the ear 52thereof and that .in such sliding movement the ear 53 will engage thetails of the pawls 43 and 47 and move'them'out of operative engagearm orlever 37 not onl releases the truck Y from the work sheets ut releasesthe-truck from the supporting frame so that the former may be moveddownward until it substantially contacts with the platen.

In the form of the device shown in Figure 5 the work sheetsH are fedover the rod 19 from the desired source ofsupply. In the preferred formof the invention shown in Figures 1 to 3, a different form for feedingthe work sheets is provided.

- Arms 54 which are attached to the main frame A of the machineby thesame screws which hold the feet I in position, extend rearwardly andother bracket arms 55 which are attached to the top plate of the mainframe A by screws 56 extend downwardly so that the free end of each arm54 will'lie adj acent the free end of the corresponding arm 55. Screws57 attach each pair of arms together and also are threaded into a trackrail 58, thus supporting the same.

A roller 59 which travels onsaidtrack rail is carried by a U-shapedbracket 'member 60 which is attached bya screw 61 to the gener-.

ally horizontal portion 62 of a U-shaped member. The upwardly extendingarms 63 of this member are pivoted by screws 64 to downwardly extendingarms 65 which debers 68 which engage the under side of therod 19. Ateach side a spring 69"is attached at one end to an anchorage 70 on themember 67 and at its other end is hooked over an upward projection 71 ofthe arm 63. It is obvious that this spring exerts its force to hold thehook 68 in contact with the rod 19 and the roller 59 in engagement withthe track rail 58. Projections 72 on the lower end of the arm 65 limitthe movement of the arms I 65 and 63 in one direction.

As stated above, a step-by-step movement of the truck or holder Yrelative to theframe X for the purpose of giving line" space movement tothe work sheets is brought about by moving the notched bar48. Thisbarhas lugs 136-at each side thereof, the lugs on one side contacting withthe rack bar 31, and the lugs .on the other side with the outside wallof the channel bar 921s shown in Figure 6. These lugs guide the notchedbar in its to and fro movement. The free end thereof is provided with anotch 137 which fits over a pin extending between the walls of thechannel bar 9.

A spring 138 is attached at one end to the bar 48 and at its other endto a fixed part'139 and serves to returnthe bar ,after the upwardmovement thereof. To the lower end of the bar 48 a short rack 14(Lispivoted at 141 and on the platen shaft 1. It will be obvious that;

is normally maintained in one position by a spring 142 attached to therack at one end and at its other end to the bar 48. This rack 140 mesheswith a pinion 143 carried on one end of a short sleeve 144 which isloosely mounted the parent application, there are shown in Figures 8 and10 certain elements which are not a part of the paper feeding devicesherein claimed. Figure'8 discloses one end of a link 150 which has thefunction of feeding the carbon strips and is connected to one arm 151 ofa bell crank lever pivoted at 152 tov a bracket arm 158 extending fromthe carriage frame. The other arm 154 of this lever is pivoted at 155 toa link 156 which is provided at one side with a short rack 157 whichmeshes with a pinion 158 on the sleeve 144 above mentioned.

-T he arm 21 best shown in Figure 5, which extends from the rod or. rackshaft 19, is-

pivotedat its free end at 159 to a forwardly extending link 160. iVhenthis link is moved rearwardly, the arm 21 rocks the shaft 19 and movesthe arms 18 and 16 as well as the supporting frame X to the dotted lineposition of Figure 5. in which the sheet supporting frame issubstantially vertical. At thev same time the pivot point 7 of the frameand the arm. 6 move slightly to the rear, being guided by engagement ofthe slot 13 with the platen axle. 1 so that the platen 14 moves slightlyaway from or out of contact with the work sheets H. The relativeposition of the work sheets and platen is illustrated in Figure7.

The construction by which the various operations of swinging the frameto its vertical position and line spacing the work sheets are performedin their proper sequence will now be described.-

This operating mechanism will be described with particular referencetoFigures 4.8 and theretobv a screw 164 is a lever 165 which I '10. A flatcam member 161-is pivotally supported at 162 upon a bracket 163extending from one side bar of the carriage. Fastened corresponds ingeneral location and shape to the usual carriage return lever of atypewrit ing machine. Three levers 166, 167, and 168. shown separatelyin Figure 10, are pivoted at 169 upon an extension of the bracket 163.This pivot pin 169 passes through .an opening 170 in one end of thelever 1 66, an opening-171 portion 175 of the cam 161.

in one end of the lever 167, and an openin 172 in the lever 168 which isa bell cran lever. One arm 17 3 of this bell crank lever has a roller174 which normally engages the During the movement of the lever 165 tothe right, a cam portion 179 which is in engagement with a roller 180carried by the lever l66, will swing this lever rearwardly and since theouter end thereof is connected at 181 to the link 160, this movementwill swing the frame forwardly to the vertical or dotted line positionof Figure 5. This movement will place the work sheets in a substantiallyvertical position and separate them from the platen as indicated inFigure 7.

In the continued movement of the lever 165 in the same direction, aroller 184 carried by the under side of the cam161 will come intoengagement with the lever 167. .This lever is pivoted at 185 to'thelin'k 156 and the movement thereof will,.,therefore, through the rack157, sleeve 144, andpinion 143, operate to line V space the truck Y.During this period of line spacing, the roller 180, engages theconcentric peripheral portion 161 of the cam 161, to maintain the frameX in its vertical position.

Substantially at the same time that these operations are takingplace,the carriage will be returned to the right hand sideof the machineandthe work sheets will be in a position to begin a new line of writing.

The lever.165 is then swung to the left, this I movement causing theframe X to be swung rearwardly and the platen 14 to be swung forwardlyinto tight contact relation with the work sheets H. This movement of thelever 165 returns the bar 48 to its normal position preparatory toanother line spacing operation. 1 i

. The operation of the paper feed mechanism may be briefly recapitulatedas follows. Assuming that a plurality of work sheets have been fed overthe paper table and through the chute or guide 4and have their leadingends clamped in the truck Y which is located in its lowest position onthe frame X, the machine will be ready for operation. A line will bewritten in the usual manner. Thereafter the operator swings the lever165 and the first movement thereof swings the necessar to o erate toreturn the carria e in the ordinary machine.

place.

lrVhen the form has been completed and the clamp member has reached anupper position, such as shown in Figure 5, a movement of the handle 41will release the truck Y from the paper and also release the pawls fromthe sidebars 8 and 9 whereupon the truck may be moved downwardly to itslowest position during which movement the leading edge of the worksheets will be held by hand. At this time it is preferable to havethelever 165 move to such positionthat the roller 17 rests in a. seat 176 (see Figure 8) which holds the frame in vertical position. The worksheets are then pulled through the truck a induced by these two elementsbeing bent f around the front face of the platen 14 to bring them inclose contact therewith and also in close contact with each other whichis necessary for the best printing results, and

by the movement of the work sheets to a vertical position, the areformed at the printing point where the Work passes over the platen isstraightened out-,-thus releasing any bind or friction between thecarbon and sheets and preventing the ribbons from being broken.-

There may be combined with the invention thus far described a separatework sheet L for use in what is frequently known as con- I densedbilling. This work sheet will be fed around, the platen and through aseparate '.-chute 186 (see Figure 1) so that adjustment of thecontinuous-work sheets may be obtained without displacement of therecord sheet. The leading end of the record sheet L is Y clamped inposition bythe same truck which 'holds the leading ends of thecontinuous work sheets. After a billhas been written, the truck isreleased and dropped as previously described. Thereafter the continuoussheets will be pulled through the machine a short distance in order topermit the first bill to be drawn off. This movement does not disturbthe record sheet L. Therefore, when the second bill is written in theusual manner, the first line of writing thereon will be recorded on therecord sheet 011 the very next line from the last line of the previouslywritten bill. A condensed record is, therefore, obtained. When therecord sheet is filled, a second sheet can be inserted in the usualmanner after'tlie first is removed by releasing the clamp therefrom.

" Various features of the invention are by power mechanism.

So far as the paper feeding mechanism broadly stated is concerned, anydesired form of ribbon mechanism may be employed therewith. Theinvention is, therefore, to be regarded as limited only by the scope ofthe PPended claims. I i

I claim as my invention:

frame over which said clamp moves for line spacing, means for moving theframe to a vertical position prel minary to the line space movement,means for giving said clamp a linespace movement, and a single manuallyoperated element for controlling said movemerits in sequence. k

2. In a manifoldlng device, a platen over which work sheets are fed, aninclined frame 1. In a vmanifolding device, a platen over.

over which the work sheets travel in their line space movement, andmeans for swinging the frame to a vertical position and moving theplaten out of contact with the sheets preliminary to a line spacemovement.

3. In a manifolding device, a platen over which work sheets are fed, aninclined frame over which-the work sheets travel in their line spacemovement, means for swinging the frame to a vertical position and-movingthe platen out of contact with the sheets preliminary to a line spacemovement, and means independent of the platen for line spacing the worksheets. h

4. In a manifolding device, a platen over which work sheets are fed, a.chute through which they pass before contacting with the platen, aninclined frame over which they travel after leaving the platen, andmeans for moving said frame to a vertical position and said platen outof contact with the sheets.

.5. In a manifolding device, a platen over which work sheets are fed, achute through which they pass before contacting with the platen, aninclined frame over which they travel afterleavingthe platen, meanscarried said frame for holding the leading ends of the sheets, and meansfor moving the frame to a vertical position and the platen out ofcontact with the sheets so that these lie in a vertical plane extendingfrom the chute to the holding means.

6. In a manifolding device, a platen over which work sheets are fed, aguide for said sheets below the platen, holding means" for the leadingends of'the sheets, and means I for swinging the sheets and platen apartso that the sheets lie in a vertical plane extending from the guide tothe holding means and are out of contact with the platen.

, 7. In a manifolding device, a platen over which work sheets are fed, aguidefor said sheets below the platen, holding means for the leadingends of the sheets, means for ,,20 4 shaft near the lower end of theframe, arms swinging the sheets and platen apart so that the sheets liema vertical plane extending from the guide to the holding means and areout of contact with the platen, and means for thereafter line spacingsaid sheets.

8. In a manifolding device, a platen over which work sheets are fed, aguide for said sheets below the platen, holding means for the'leadingends of the sheets, means for swinging the sheets and platen apart sothat the sheets lie in a vertical plane extending from the guide to theholding means and are out of contact with the platen, and means forthereafter line spacing said sheets, said swinging means and linespacing means'being controlled by a single manually operable element.

9. In a .manifolding device, an inclined frame over which travels aplurality of work sheets after they pass the printing line, a

on said shaft to which the frame is pivotally connected, a platencarried by said frame,

and means for swinging the frame to a vertical position and said platenrearwardly from its normal position.

10. In a manifolding device, an inclined frame over which travels aplurality of work sheets after they pass the printing line, a shaft nearthe lower end of the frame, arms thereon, to which the frame ispivotally connected, a platen carried by the lower end of the frame, andmeans forswin in the lower end of the frame about the axis 0 the shaftand thereby moving the platen slightly to means for moving the movablebar to move the clamp step by step for line spacing.

12. In a mani'folding device, azplaten over which work sheets are fed, aframe over which the sheets travel for line space movement, a clamp forthe leading end of the sheets, detents carried by said clamp, a fixedtoothed bar engaging one detent, a movable toothed bar engaging theother detent, means for moving th movable bar to move the clamp step bystep for line spacing, and means for releasing both detents-from theirassociated toothed bars.

13. In a manifolding device, a platen over which work sheets are fed, aframe over which the sheets travel forv line space movement, a clamp forthe leading end of the sheets, detents carried by said clamp, a fixedtoothed bar engaging one detent, a movable toothed bar engaging theother detent, means for moving the movable bar to move the clampstep bystep for line spacing, means for releasing both detents from theirassociated toothed bars, and means for simultaneously releasing theclamp.

14. In a manifolding device,.a frame over which travels a plurality ofwork sheets after they pass the printing line, a clamp for the leadingends of the work sheets, means for givin the clamp a step-by-stepmovement over 51c frame to line space the sheets, means for releasingthe clamp fromv its operating means, and means for simultaneouslyreleasin the clamp from the worksheets.

15. ing and similar machines, a travellingi carriage, a fixed railcarried by the frame of the machine, a rail on the carriage, a worksheet supporting frame comprising two main elements, one of which has aroller, running on the fixed rail and the other of which has meansengaging. the rail on the carriage, spring means holdin said elements inengaging operative pos1tion,'and a chute engaging the edges of the worksheets and carried by one of said elements.

16. In a manifolding dev1ce,a.platen over' which work sheets are fed, arearwardly inclined supporting frame pivotally supported at its lowerend adjacent the platen and over which the forward end portion of thework sheets travels after leaving the platen, means for line spacingsaid forward end portion of" n a manifolding device for typ'ewritthework sheets, a guide for the work sheets 'located' below the platen, andmeans for swinging said supporting frame to a substantially verticalposition preliminary to the line spacing movement to relieve the worksheets.

from frictional engagement with the platen.

17. In a manifolding device, a platen over which work sheets are fed, arearwardly inclined supporting frame pivotally sup ported 'at its lowerend adjacent the platen and over-which the forward end port-ion of thework sheets travels after leaving the platen, means for line spacingsaid forward end portion of the work sheets, a guide for the work sheetslocated below the platen, means for swinging'said supporting frame to asubstantially vertical position preliminary tothe line spacing movementto relieve the work' sheets from frictional engagement with the'platen,and a single manually op; erable elen'ient for controlling the linespacing means and the frame swinging meansin sequence.

18. In a mauifolding device, a platen over which work sheets a re fed, arearwardly inclined supporting frame pivotally supported at its lowerend adjacent the platen and over which the forward end portion of thework sheets travels after leaving the platen, a clamp for the forwardend portion of the sheets movably supported on the frame, means forimparting line spacing movements to the clamp, a guide for the worksheets located below the platen, and means for swinging said supportingframe to a substantially vertical position preliminary to the linespacing movement to relieve the work sheets from frictional engagementwith the platen.

19. In a manifolding device, a platen over which work sheets are fed, arearwardly inclined supporting frame pivotally supported at its lowerend adjacent the platen andover which the forward end portion of thework sheets travels afterleaving the platen, means for line spacing saidforward end portionof the work sheets, a guide for the work sheetslocated below theplaten, means for swinging said supporting frame to asubstantially vertical position preliminary to the line spacing movementto. relieve the work sheets from frictional engagement withthe platen,printing the frame -'to its inclined position previous to the printingoperation. s

20.-In a manifolding device, an inclined frame over which travels aplurality of work sheets after they pass the printing line, up-

per shafts and a lower shaft near the lower end of the frame, arms onthe lower shaft to 1 WhlCh the frame is pivotally connected, said framehaving rearward extensions at its lower end and formed with arcuateslots for sliding connection with the upper shafts, a. platen carried bysaid frame and over which the work sheets pass, and-m'eans for swingingsaid frame to-avertical position whereby the lower end thereof will bemoved rearwardly by said slotand shaft connections. V

21. In a manifolding device for typewriters and similar machines, atravelling carriage, a fixed rail carried by the frame of the machine, arail on the carriage, a work sheet supporting frame comprising two mainelements, one of which includes a pair of pivot ally connect-ed .armsand a roller mounted on one of the arms for cooperation with the itfixed rail, and the other of which elements 1 has means engaging therail on the'carriage,

and spring means connecting the arms of the first mentioned element forholding both of said elements in engaging operative positions withtherespective rails. I

22. In a manifolding device, a platen past which work sheet-sare fed, aline spacing mechanism for the work sheets, and means for relatlvelymovmg the work sheets and platen through a fixedvdegree of movement forseparating the work sheets and platen and for operating the line spacingmechanism.

subsequent to the completion of said relative movement and while thework sheets and platen are separated.

23. In a. manifolding device, a platen past which work sheets are fed aline spacing mechanism for the work sheets, andmeans including asinglemanually operable lever for relatively moving the work sheets andplaten through a fixed degree of movement for sepainginstrunienta'lities, and means for returnmechanism rating the worksheets and platen and for operating the line spacing mechanism sub'sequent 'to the completion of said relative movement and while the worksheets and platen are separated.

24. In a manifolding device, aplaten past s which work sheets are fed, aline'spacing mechanism for the worksl1eets,and'means for moving theplaten away from the work'- sheets a predetermined fixed distance andfor operating-the line spacing mechanism subsequent to the completionofsaid platenmovement and while the worksheets and platen are separated. Ip

25. In a manifolding device, a platen past which work sheets are fed, aline spacing mechanism for the work sheets, and means including asinglemanually operable lever for moving the platen away from the worksheets a predetermined fixed distance and foroperating the line spacingmechanism .subsequent to the completion of said platen movement* andwhile the work sheets and platen are separated. v 7

26. In-a manifolding device, a platen past which work sheets are fed, avframe over which the work sheets travel after leaving the platen andfixed to thcplaten, line spacing mechanism for the work sheets mountedon the frame, and means for moving the frame and platen'to separate theplaten from the work sheets and for operating the line spac-. ingmechanism whlle'the worksheets and platen are separated. f 27. In a.manifoldingdevice, a platen past which worksheetsare fed, a frame overwhich the work sheets travel after leaving the "platen and fixed to theplaten, line spacing mechanism for the work sheets mounted on theframe,and means including a single manually operable lever for moving theframe and platen to separate the platen from the work sheets and foroperating the line spacing mechanism while the work sheets.-

and platen are separated.

28. In a manifolding device, a platen past which work sheets are'fed andwhich sheets tightly and compactly engage said platen prior toand-(hiring printing intervals, a line spacing mechanism for'thc worksheets, and

means for relieving said tight and com-pact? engagement between worksheets and platen the frame, and means for moving the frame and platenbetween prmtmgandnon-printlng 30. In a manifolding device, a platen pastwhich work sheets are fed, a frame over which the work sheets travelafter leaving the platen and fixed to the platen, line spacing mechanismfor the work sheets mounted on positions in which the platen tightlyengages and compacts the work sheets and in which said platen isrelieved from such engagement respectively, and for operating the linespacing mechanism while said platen is relieved from such engagement.

31'. In a manifoldingdevice, a platen past which work sheets are fed, aframe over which the work sheets travel after leaving the platen andfixed to the platen, line spacing mechanism for the work sheets mountedon the frame, and means including a singlemanually'operable leyer formoving the frame and platen between printing and non-printing positionsin which the platen tightly engages and compactsthe work sheets and inwhich said platen is relievedfrom such engagement respectively, and foroperating the line spacing mechanism while said platen is relieved fromsuch engagement.

, '32. In a manifolding device, a platen past which work sheets are fedand which sheets tightly and compactly engage said platen at printingintervals, striking type cooperatingwith the platen to print on saidwork with the platen-to print on said work sheets during said printingintervals, a line'spacing mechanism for the Work sheets, and ,meansincluding a single manually operable lever for first relieving saidtight and compact engagement between the work sheets and platen and forsubsequently operating the line spacing mechanism while such engagementis relieved. f

34. In a manifolding device, a platen past which work sheets are fed andwhich sheets tightly and compactly engage said platen at printingintervals, striking type cooperating with the platen to print on saidwork sheets during said printing intervals, a frame over which the worksheets travel after leaving the platen and fixed to the platen, linespacing mechanism for the work sheets mounted on the frame, and meansfor moving the frame and platen between printing and non-printingpositions in which the platen tightly engages and compacts the worksheets and in which said platen is relieved from such engagementrespectively, and for operating the line spacing mechanism while saidplaten is relieved from such engagement.

35. In a manifolding device, a platen past which work sheets are fed andwhieh sheets tightly and compactly engage said platen at tween printingand non-printing positions in which the platen tightly engages andcompacts the work sheets and in which said platen is relieved from suchengagement re spectively, and for operating the line spacing mechanismwhile said platen is relieved from such engagement,

' '36. In a manifolding device, the combination with a platen having atransversely curved printing surface, of means for guid-' ing worksheets from below the platen to above the platen and in a substantiallyfiat vertical condition in front of the platen, and means for effectingrelative movement be.- tween the work sheets and platen whereby the worksheets will be curved to conform to and tightly contact the printingsurface of the platen;

37. In a manifolding device, the combination with a carriage having aplaten provided with a transversely curved printing surface, of meansrespectively disposed below and above the platen for positioning worksheets in a substantially fiat'vertical condition in front of theplaten, and means for bodily moving the platen to engage the work sheetsbetween the respective positioning means and curve said sheets toconform to and tightly contact the printing surface of the platen.

38. In a manifolding device, the combination with a platen having atransversely curved printing surface, of means for guiding work sheetsfrom one side of the platen to the other and ma substantially flatcondition,'means for effecting relative move ment between the worksheets and platen whereby the work sheets will be curved to conform toand tightly Contact the printing surface of the platen, and means foreffecting a line spacin movement to the work sheets while the latter arein substantially fiat condition.

39. In a manifolding device, the combination with a. platen elementprovided with a transverselycurved printing surface, a guide element forwork sheets dispose'dbelow the platen, a holder element for the leadingends of the work sheets disposed above the platen and'cooperating withthe guide element for positioning the work sheets in a substantiallyflat vertical condition in front ofthe platen, andmeans for moving oneof said elements relative to the other two elements for relative'lymoving the platen and work sheets into tight and curved contact witheach other.

'40. 'In a manifolding device, the combination with a platen elementprovided with a transversely curved printing surface, of a guide elementfor work sheets disposed at one side of the platen, a holder element forthe leading ends of the work sheets disposed at the other side of theplaten and cooperating with the guide element for positioning" the worksheets in a substantially flat condition, means for moving one of saidelements relative to the other two elements for relatively moving theplaten and work sheets into tight and curved contact with each other,and

means for moving the holder element for effecting a line spacingmovement to the work sheets while the latter are in their substantiallyflat condition.

41. In a manifolding front strike typewrit-' er, the combination with aplaten having a transversely curved printing surface, of means forguiding work sheets upwardly from a point below the platen to a pointabove the platen and in a substantially flat condition .in front of saidplaten, and means for effecting relative movement between the worksheets and platen and guiding means whereby the work sheets will becurved to conform to and tightly contact the printing surface of theplaten.

42. In a manifolding front strike typewriter, .the combination with acarriage having a platen provided with a transversely curved printingsurface, of type bars disposed in front of the platen for cooperationtherewith, means respectively disposed above and below the platen forpositioning work sheets in a substantially flat vertical conditionbetween the platen and the type bars, and means for bodily moving theplaten forwardly to engage the work sheets between the respectivepositioning means and curve said sheets to conform to and tightlycontact the printing surface of the platen.

43. In a manifolding front strike typewriter, the combination with aplaten having a transversely curved printing surface. of upper and lowermeans for guidmg work sheets upwardly from a point below the platen to apoint above the platen and in substantially'flat condition in front ofsaid platen, means for effecting relative movement between the worksheets and platen whereby the work sheets will be curved to conform toand tightly contact the printing surface of the platen, and means formoving the upper guide means for effecting a line spacing movement to.the work sheets prior to the the tion between the platen and the typebars, I

and means for moving one of said elements relative to the other twoelements for relatively moving the platen and work sheets into tight andcurved contact with each other.

45. In v a manifolding front strike typewriter, the combination with acarriage hav-v ing a platen element provided with a transversely curvedprinting surface, of type bars disposed in front of theplaten elementfor cooperation therewith, a guide element for. the work sheets disposedbelow the platen, a .holder element for the leading "ends of the worksheets disposed above the platen and cooperating with the guide elementfor'positioning the work sheetsin a substantially flat verticalcondition between the platen and the type bar, means for moving one ofsaid elements relative to the other two elements for relatively movingthe'platen and work sheets into tight and curved contact with each otherand means for moving the holder element for 1 effecting a line spacingmovement to the work sheets while the latter are in their substantiallyflat vertical condition.

46. In a manifolding device, a curved-faced platen past which worksheets are fed and which sheets conform to the curvature of the platenat the printing line during printing intervals, means to effectrelativemovemen't between the platen and work sheets to cause the curved.portion of the work sheets at printing intervals to become a planesurface at other intervals, and means to line space the work sheetswhile they present a plane surface at the printing line.

47. In a manifolding device, the combina-, tion with a typewritingmachine having type arms and-a platen arranged in cooperative relation,of a guide disposed below the platen, a holder disposed above the platenand mov-- able to feed vertically disposed work sheets past the guideand platen and between the platen and the type arms, and means foreffecting a relative bodily movement between the platen and the guidefor placing the work sheets and the printing line of the platen in tightcontact with each other preparatory to K certain printing operations bythe type arms and for relieving said tight contact relation between thework sheets and theplaten prior to the work sheets feeding operation bythe holder.

48. Ina manifolding device, the combination with a typewriting machinehaving type arms and a platen arranged in cooperative relation, of aguide disposed below the platen, a holder disposed above the platen andmovable to feed vertically disposed work sheets past the guide andplaten and between the platen and the type arms, and means ineluding asingle manually operable lever for effecting a relative bodily movementbetween the platen and the guide for placing the work sheets andtheprinting line of the platen in tight contact with each otherpreparatory to certain printing operations by the type arms and forrelieving said tight contact relation between the work sheets and theplaten prior of the platen and movable to feed work sheets past theguide and platen and between the platen and the type arms, and meansfor'moving the platen bodily forward intotight contact with the worksheets preparatory to certain printing operations by the type arms andthen rearwardly relative to the work sheets to relieve said tightcontact'relation and for moving said holder to effect a line spacingoperation of the work sheets when the platen is in its rearwardly movedposition- 50. In a manifolding device, the combination with atypewriting machine havingtype arms and a platen arranged-in cooperativerelation, bf a guide disposed at oneside of the platen, a holderdisposed at the other side of the platen and movable to feed work sheetspast the guide and platen and between the platen and the type arms, andmeans including a singlemanually operable lever for mov ing the platenbodily forward into tight con'- tactwith the work sheets preparatory tocertain printing operations by the type arms and then rearwardlyrelative to the work sheets to relieve said tight contact relation andfor moving said holder to effect a line spacing operation of the worksheets, when the platen;

. relation, of a .stationary guide disposed beis in its rearwardly movedposition.

51. Inv a manifolding device, the combina tion with a typewritingmachine having type arms and a platen arranged in cooperative relation,of a guide disposed at one. side of the platen, a frame over which thework sheets travel after leaving the platen, said platen being fixed tothe frame and the frame ing located on the side of the platen oppositethe guide,line spacing mechanism for the work sheets mounted on theframe for feeding the work sheets past the guide and platen and betweenthe platen and the type arms, and means for bodily moving the platenbetween printing and non-printing positions in which the platen tightlyengages and compacts the work sheets and 1n which said platen isrelieved from such engagement re spectively, and for operating the linespacing mechanism while said platen is relieved from such engagement. A

52. In a manifolding device, the combination with a typewriting machinehaving type arms and a platen arranged in cooperative relation, of aguide disposed at one side of the platen, a frame over which the worksheets travel after leaving the platen, said platen being fixed to theframe and the frame being located on the side of the platen opposite theguide, line spacing mechanism for the work sheets mounted on the framefor feeding the work sheets past the guide and platen and between theplaten and the type arms, and

means including a single manually operable lever for bodily moving theplaten between printing and non-printing positions in which the platentightly engages and compacts the work sheets and in which said platen isrelieved from such engagement respectively, and for operating the linespacing mechanisni while said platen is relieved from such engagement.

53. In a manifolding device, the combina-' tion with a typewritingmachine having type arms and a platen arranged in cooperative relation,of a. guide disposed at one side of the platen, a pivoted frame overwhich the work sheets travel after leaving the platen, said platen beingfixed to the frame and the frame being located on the side of the platenopposite the guide, line spacing mechanism for the' work sheets mountedon the frame for feeding the work sheets past the guide and platenandbetween the platen and the type arms, and means for swinging the frameand platen between printing and non-printing positions in which theplaten tightly engages and compacts thework sheets and in which saidplaten is relieved from such engagement respectively, and for operatingthe line spacing mechanism while said platen is relieved from suchengagement.

54. In a inanifolding device, the combination with a-typewriting machinehaving type arms and a'platen arranged in cooperative low the platen, aholder disposed above the platen and movable to. feed verticallydisposed work sheets past the guide and platen of the platen in tightcontact with each other I preparatory to certain-printing operations bythe type arms and for relieving said tight contact relation between thework sheets and the platen prior to the worksheets feeding operation bythe holder.

55. In a manifolding device, the combination with a typewriting machinehaving type arms and a platen arranged in cooperative relation, of astationary guide disposed below the platen, a holder disposed above theplatenand movable to feed vertically disposed work sheets past theguide'and platen and between the platen and the type arms, and meansincluding a single-manually operable lever for eifecting a relativemovement between the platen and the holder for placing the work sheetsand the'printing line of the platen in tight contact with each otherpreparatory to certain printing operations by the type arms and forrelieving said tight contact relation between the work sheets and theplaten prior to the work sheets feeding operation by the holder.

56. In a manifolding device, the combinaplaten in opposite directionsimultaneously for placing the work sheets and the printing line of theplaten in tight contact with each other preparatory to certain printingoperations by the type arms and for relieving said tight contactrelation between the work sheets and the platen prior to the work sheetsfeeding operation by the holder.

5.7. In a manifolding device, the combination with a typewritingmachinehaving type arms and a platen arranged in cooperative relation, of aguide disposed below the platen .and fixed against bodily movementrelative thereto, a holder disposed above the platen and movable to feedvertically disposed work sheets past the guide and platen and betweenthe platen and the type arms, and means including a' single manuallyoperable lever for efiecting bodily movements of the holder and platenin opposite direction simultaneously for placing the work sheets and theprinting line of the platen in tight contact with each other preparatoryto certain printing operations by the type arms and for relieving saidtight contact relation between the work sheets and the platen prior tothe work sheets feedin operation by the holder.

58. In a manifol ing device, a platen over which work sheets are fed, aclampfor the leading ends of said worksheets, a pivoted frame over whichsaid clamp moves for line spacing said work sheets, said frame beingnormally inclined rearwardly to maintain the work sheets in tightcontact with the platen, and means for swinging the frame forwardly fromsaid rearwardly inclined pov sition to a substantially vertical positionwhereby said work sheets will be relieved of said tight contact relationwith the platen and for effecting line spacing movement to the clampwhile the frame is in said substantially, vertical position. Y

59. In a manifolding device, a platen over which work sheets are fed, aclamp for the leading ends of said work sheets, a pivoted frame overwhich said clamp moves for line spacing said work sheets, said framebeing norma ly inclined rearwardly to maintain the worksheets in tightcontact with the platen, and means including a single manually operablelever for swinging the frame forwardly from said rearwardly inclinedposition to a substantiallyvertical position whereby said work sheetswill be relieved of said tight contact relation with the platen and foreflecting line spacing movement to the clamp while the frame is in saidsubstantially vertical position.

60. In a manifolding device, a platen over which work sheets are fed, aclamp forthe leading ends of said "work sheets, a pivoted frame overwhich said clamp moves for line spacing said work sheets. said framebeing normally, inclined rearwardly to maintain the work sheets in tightcontact with the platen, means for swinging the frame forwardly fromsaid rearwardly inclined position to a substantially vertical positionwhereby said work sheets will be relieved of said tight contactrelationwith the platen and for effecting line spacing movement to theclamp while the frame is in said substantially vertical position, andmeans for releasing said clamp from said line-space effecting means.

61. In a manifolding device, a platen over whichtwork sheets are fed,a'clamp for the leading ends of said work sheets, a pivoted frame overwhich said clamp moves for line spacing said work sheets, saidframe-being normally inclined rearwardlv to maintain the work sheets intight contact with the platen. means for swinging the frame forwardl vfrom said rearwardlv inclined position to a. substantially vertical,position whereby said work sheets will be relieved of said tight contactrelationwith the platen and for, effecting line spacing movement to theclamp while i the frame is in said substantially vertical position, andmeans for releasing said clamp from said sheets.

62. In a manifolding device, a platen over which work sheets are fed, aclamp for the leading ends of said work sheets, a pivoted frame overwhich said clamp moves for line spacing sairl work sheets, said framebeing normally inclined rearwardly to'maintain the work sheets in tightcontact with the platen, means for swinging the frame forwardly fromsaid rearwardly inclined position to a substantially vertical positionwhereby said work sheets willv be relieved of said tight contactrelation with the platen and for effecting line spacing movement to theclamp while the frame is in said substantially vertical position, andmeans for simultaneousl releasing said clamp from said line space efectmg means and from said sheets.

68. In a manifoldmg device, a platen past I which work sheets are fed, aclamp for the leading ends of the work sheets, a frame pivotally mountedat its lower end and over which frame said clamp moves for line 'spac- Iing said work sheets, said frame being normally inclined rearwardly tomaintain the the frame to cause said platen to be moved work sheets intight contact with the platen, links pivotally connected to the upperend of the frame, means connected with the links for swinging the frameforwardly from said rearwardly inclined position to asubstantial- 1yvertical position whereby said work sheets will be relieved of saidtight contact relation with said platen, and means for moving said clamto effect line spacing of the work sheets Whlle said frame is in thesubstantially vertical position.

64. In a manifold-mg device, a platen past which work sheets are fed, aclamp for the leading ends of the worksheets, a frame piv- .otallymounted at its lower. end and over which frame said clamp moves for linespacmg said work sheets, sald frame being normally inclined rearwardlyto maintain the work sheets in tight contact with the platen, linkspivotally connectedfo the upper end of the frame, means including asingle manually operable lever connected with the links for swinging theframe forwardly from said rearwardly inclinedposition to a substantiallyvertical posit-ion whereby said work sheets will be relieved of saidtight contact relation with said platen, and means connected to saidlever for'moving said clamp to effect line spacing of the work sheetswhile said frame is in the substantially-vertical position.

65.. In a manifolding device, a platen past which work sheets are fed, aframe over which the work sheets travel, sald platen being se-' cured tosaid frame intermediateits ends and 7 ad acent one end, line spacingmechanism for the work sheets mounted on the frame, means for reverselymoving the respective ends of against the work sheets for the purposeoftightly compacting them during printing intervals or in the oppositedirection to relieve said work sheets compacted condition, and means toactuate said line spacing mechanism while said work sheets compactcondition is relieved.

66, In a manifolding device. a platen past which work sheets are fed, aframe over which the work sheets travel, said platen being secured tosaid frame intermediate its ends and adjacent one end, line spacingmechanism for the work sheets mounted on the frame, I

means to move the platen carrying end of the frame in one direction andthe other end of said frame in the opposite direction to cause saidplaten to engage and tightly compact the work sheets or for reverselymoving the respective frame ends to position the platen for relievingsaid work sheets compacting condition, and means to actuate'the linespacing mechanism while the worksheets compacted condition is relieved.

67. In a manifolding device,a platen past which work sheets are fed, aclamp for the leading ends ofthe work sheets, a'frame on which saidplaten is mounted and over which said clamp-moves for line spacing saidwork sheets, said frame being normally inclined rearwardly to maintainthe worksheets in compacting contactwith the platen, means includinglinks connected to the upper and lower ends of the frame for moving theupper end of the frame forwardly and the lower end of theframerearwardly to position the frame substantially vertical and the platenin position for relieving the work sheets, compacted condition, andmeans to move the clamp to line space the work sheets while said frameis in the substantially vertical position.

' 68. In a manifolding device, a platen past which work sheets are fed,a clamp for the leading ends of the work sheets, a frame on which saidplaten is mounted and over which said-clamp moves for line spacing saidwork sheets, said frame bemg normally inclined rearwardly to malntal'nthe work sheets in compacting contact with the platen, means includinglinks connected to the upper and lower ends of the frame for moving theupper end of the frame forwardly-and the lower end of the framerearwardl to position the frame substantially vertica and tlie platen inposition for relieving the work sheets com- ;paeted condition, saidframe beingmovable through a greater-distance at its upper end than atits lower end, and means to movethe clamp to line space the work sheetswhile said frame is in the substantially vertical position. P

69.- In a'manifolding device, a carriage mounted for letter spacemovement, a platen ast which work sheets arefed, a line spa-c past whichwork sheets are fed, a line spacing mechanism for the worksheets, and

' means including a single manually operable lever for relatively movingthe work sheets and platen through a fixed degree of movement forseparating the work sheets and platen and for operating the line spacingmechanism subsequent to the completion of said relative movement andwhile thework sheets and platen are separated, said platen, said line.spacing mechanism and said moving and operating means being mounted onsaid carriage for movement therewith.

71. In a manifolding device, a carriage mounted for letter spacemovement, a-platen past which work sheets are fed, a frame over whichthe work sheets travel after leavingthe platen and fixed to the platen,line spacing mechanismfor the work sheets mounted on the frame, and.means for moving the frame and platen to separate the platen from thework sheets and'for operating theline spacing mechanism while the worksheets and platen are separated, said platen, said frame, said linespacing mechanism and said moving and operating means being mounted onsaid carriage for movement therewith.

72. In a manifolding device, a carriage mounted for letter spacemovement, a platen past which work sheets are fed, a frame over whichthe work sheets travel after leaving the platen and fixed to the platen,line spacing mechanism for the work sheets mounted on the frame, andmeans including a single manually operable lever, for moving the frameand platen to separate the platen from the work sheets and for operatingthe line spacing mechanism while the work sheetsand vals, a line spacingmechanism for the work sheets, and means for relieving said tight andcompact engagement between work sheets and platen and for operating theline spacing mechanism while such engagement is relieved, said platen,saidwork sheets. and said relieving and operating means all.beingsupported upon said carriage and movable therewith. i

74. In a manifolding device, a carriage mounted for letter spacemovement, a platen past whichv work sheets are fed and which sheetstightly and compactly engage said platen prior to and during printingintervals, a line spacing mechanism for the work sheets, and meansincluding a single manually operable lever for reheving said tight andcompactengagement between worksheets and platen and for operatingtheline spacing mechanism while such engagement is relieved, said platen,said work sheets and said relieving and operating means all beingsupported upon said carriage-and movable therewith.

75. In a manifolding device, a carriage mounted for letter spacemovement, a platen past which work sheets are fed, a frame over whichthe work sheets travel after leaving the platen and fixed to the platen,line spacing mechanism for the work sheets mounted on the frame, andmeans for moving" the printing positions in which the platen tightlyengages and compacts the work sheets and inwhichsaid platen is relievedfrom such engagement respectively, and for operating the line spacingmechanism while-said platen is relieved fromeach engagement, said platen, said frame, said line spacing mechanism and moving and operatingmeans being supported by said carriage and movable therewith. i

v 7 6. In a ,manifolding device, a carriage mounted for letter'sp'acemovement, a platen past which work sheets are fed, a frame overwhichfthe work sheets travelafter leaving the platen and fixed to theplaten, line sp.ac-. ing mechanism for the work sheets mounted on theframe, and means including a single, manually operable lever for movingthe frame and platen between printing and nonframe and platen betweenprinting'and non printing positions in which the platen tightly engagesand compacts the work sheets and in which said platen is relieved fromsuch engagement respectively, and for. operating the line spacingmechanism while said platen is relieved from such engagement, saidplaten, said frame, saidline spacing mechanism and moving and operatingmeans being supporltled' by said carriage and movable therewit 77. In amanifolding device, a carriage mounted for letter space movement, aplaten past which work sheets are fed and which sheets tightly andcompactly engage said platen at printing intervals, striking type cooperating with the platen to print on said I work sheets during saidprinting intervals, a line spacing mechanism for the work sheets, andmeans for first relieving said tight and compact engagement between thework sheets and platen and for subsequently operating the line spacingmechanism while such engagement is relieved, said platen, said worksheets, said line spacing mechanism and said moving and operating meansbeing supported on and movable with said carriage.

7 8. In a manifolding device, a carriage mounted for letterspace-movement, a platen past which work sheets are fed and which sheetstightly and compactly engage said platen at printing intervals, strikingtype cooperating with the platen to rinton said work sheets during saidprinting intervals,

.;the line spacing mechanism while such engagement is relieved, saidplaten, said work sheets, said line spacing mechanism and said movingand operating means being supported on and movable with said carriage.

79. In a manifoldingdevice, the combination with a carriage mounted for.letter space movement, of a platen having a transversely curved printingsurface, means for guiding work sheets from below the platen to abovethe platen and in a substantially vertical flat condition, and means foreffecting relative movement between the work sheets and platen wherebythe work sheets will be curved to conform to and tightly contact theprinting surface of the platen, said platen; said guiding means'and'said relative movement effecting means beingmounted on saidcarriage and movable therewith. t

80. In a manifolding device, the combination with a carriage mounted forletter space movement, of aplaten element provided with a transverselycurved printing surface, a

guide element for work sheets disposed at one f side of the platen, aholder element for the leading ends of the work sheets disposed at theother side of the platen and cooperating with the guide element forpositioning the work sheets in a substantially flat condition,

means for moving one of said elements relative to the other two elementsfOIl relatively movingthe platen and work sheets into tight and curvedcontact with each other, and means for moving the holder element foreffecting a line spacing movement to the work sheets While thelatter-are in their substantially flat condition, said platen element,said guide element, said holder element, said relative move menteffecting means and said holder element movement effecting means beingmounted on said carriage and movable therewith.

81. In a manifolding device, the combina- I tion with'a typewritingmachine having type arms and a platen arranged in cooperative relation,of a guide disposed at one side of the platen, a holder disposed at theother side of theplaten and movable to feed work sheets past the guideand platen and between the platen and the type arms, means including asingle manually operable lever for moving the platen bodily forward intotight contact with the work sheets preparatory to certain printingoperations by the type arms and then rearwardly relative to the worksheets to relieve said tight contact relation and for moving said holderto etfect a line spacing operation of the work sheets when the platen isin its rearwardly moved position, and a carriage movable for letterspace, movement, said platen, said guide, said holder and said platenand holder movement effecting means being mounted on said carriage andmovable there- .a frame over which the work sheets travel after leavingthe platen and fixed to the platen, line spacing mechanism for the' worksheets mounted on the frame, and means for moving the frame and platento separate the platen from the work sheets and for operating the linespacing mechanism while the work sheets and platen are separated.

83. In a manifolding device, a non-rotatable platen over whichworksheets are fed, a frame over which the work sheets travel afterleaving the platen and fixed to the platen,

mounted on the frame, and means including a single manually operablelever for moving the frame and platen to separate the platen from thework sheets and for operating the line spacing mechanism while the worksheets and platenare separated.

In'testimony whereof, I have hereunto subs scribed my name. 1

' GUSTAVE O. DEGENER.

